14.49.a - FREE - Paris: A mosaic of joy inducing wonders + exclusive give-away
**EXCEPTIONALLY this PAID edition of le Bulletin is OPEN, FREE FOR ALL to read and to enter the Limited Edition Giveaway - there is NO PAYWALL**
Today at a Glance: your weekly newsletter
Bonjour francophile friends and readers… I’m thrilled that you’re here again this week - bienvenue - welcome - and for those who are financially contributing to le Bulletin I thank you profusely.
By EXCEPTION, this edition of le Bulletin is OPEN to ALL, there is NO PAYWALL.
What’s happening in MyFrenchLife Magazine - new articles.
Next, Paris: A mosaic of joy-inducing wonders + Limited Edition hand-painted 2025 calendar Giveaway - I’ve made this edition free to celebrate the small Joys of Daily life in Paris as reflected by Sonja’s calendar.
***NEXT WEEK the le Bulletin edition for PAID Subscribers will once again have a paywall. I encourage you to consider upgrading your free subscription now to ensure you can access future newsletters.
Thanks in advance
Judy - 7.12.’24
1. The Essense of Parisian Life through the Lens of Small Joys + Giveaway
There is so much more to Paris than its famous monuments as most of us know. In fact, one of the things we at MyFrenchLife™ love most about the City of Light is the beautiful artisan businesses that line the streets of the capital.
In our view these small businesses and the passionate people behind them are what give Paris its magic and unique charm: les fleuristes, boucheries, boulangeries, patîsseries, fromageries, et bien sûr, les chocolateries, et plus ! Some time ago we were sufficiently enchanted by their beautiful displays and inspired by their talent and dedication, we created the Paris Mosaic series, where we interviewed the faces behind these Parisian gems.
I think of Paris as a mosaic of joy-inducing wonders... tiny businesses in little shops that reflect not only their wares but the personality of each owner/ artisan, and when it comes to this fascination, it seems I'm not alone.
Parisian joy-inducing giveaway: how you can enter
I introduce you to a Paris-based creative, someone whom I greatly respect.
Recently in conversation with Sonja Bajic, I discovered her beautiful hand-painted limited-edition Paris Calendar and felt compelled to ask her to agree to offer a giveaway opportunity for MyFrenchLife Magazine readers — et voilà.
You'll love this calendar, in particular, because each month features a hand-painted illustration of one of Sonja's beloved Parisian shops, emphasizing the simple yet meaningful pleasures of daily life — from artisanal cheese to curated books. These shops reflect the Parisian experience, where luxury and simplicity come together in perfect harmony. As a mapmaker and illustrator, Sonja showcases the places that are not only rich in history and culture, but also serve as little moments of joy for the people who visit them.
If you, like Sonja and myself, love the tiny Parisian shops and respect the shopkeepers who make up the creative mosaic that is Paris, you can enter to win one of —> Sonja’s Limited Edition 2025 Calendars. <—
How?
Leave a comment below this article or below our le Bulletin newsletter here telling Sonja about your favourite shop in Paris and why you love it so.
Tell her which small business creates that feeling of joy in you. Do it now :)
The lucky winner will be drawn at random on December 12, 2024(Paris time) and announced in the le Bulletin newsletter on 14 December.
Do that now, then come back and read about Sonja. I really enjoyed interviewing her to get to know her better and I'm sure you will love reading it too.
I had the pleasure of interviewing Sonja as I got to know her better. Her responses to my questions provide great insight into her life and how she came to live in Paris, her creativity, her career, and more.
What a joy!
Getting to know Sonja Bajic: Paris-based creative
Sonja Bajic is a Yugoslav-born, Paris-based mapmaker, illustrator, and designer with a passion for connecting people to places through her art. Her creative journey spans a variety of mediums and projects, including authoring and co-authoring several books that showcase her storytelling talents through both visuals and words.
Sonja’s illustrations - on Paris and life and custom-made maps are available in her online shop or can be commissioned directly through Instagram, Substack, or email. Many of her illustrations are also perfect for framing, offering clients a chance to turn her work into timeless pieces of art. Her work is also featured in Tremas, a charming shop in the 11th arrondissement of Paris.
Whether for individuals or businesses, Sonja’s creations are a seamless blend of artistry and storytelling, bringing places, moments, and experiences to life.
1. Sonja, tell me a little about your place of birth and childhood.
I was born in a country that no longer exists, which, in a way, shaped my perspective on the transient nature of borders and places. I come from Novi Sad, the second-largest town in today’s Serbia, which was part of Yugoslavia back then. It’s a town in the middle of the Pannonian plains, on the left side of the Danube. Somehow, I always lived very close to the Danube. In the summer, I would spend my days next to it and in it, with my grandparents. In all seasons, I would always go on long walks along the Danube quay. That was—and still is—the way I clear my head: long walks and water. Today, I’m not far from the Seine here in Paris.
I grew up during very turbulent times in the Balkans. I can talk about the '90s, the wars, and the embargo—those things certainly shape you.
One day, I’ll illustrate that story. For now, I can tell you that I grew up surrounded by people who valued hard work, culture, and honesty. It was a great childhood—I had a chance to be creative, to explore, and to ask tough questions.
2. When do you believe your creativity first showed itself, and how?
If I had to choose one thing to tell you about myself, it’s that I’ve always been creative in all spheres of life. I invent new dishes and food combos every day, I explore new things and then write stories about them, I try new art techniques, and I let myself fail. I promised myself that failing would always be part of my life because it means that I am trying something new and inventing new ways. It’s like yin and yang—creativity and failing go together. BUT, you are the one who has the opportunity to choose what failing really is and what is actually just creativity. This took me a very long time to learn. The more you let yourself explore, the freer you will be.
My mum has a painting of mine framed in her living room. I did it when I was probably 8 or 9 years old. My best friend’s mum was a kindergarten teacher, and she always came up with new things for us to create. This painting of flowers in a pot was my invitation to create more, I think. And here we are!
3. How would you describe your professional life, and how did you get there?
I’ve always been drawn to art and storytelling, but my journey as an illustrator and mapmaker began organically. I moved to Paris as an architect and urban designer while completing my second master’s degree. I’ve always believed that cities tell stories if you’re willing to hear, see, and learn from them.
My first illustrations captured my experiences in a new country—new food, friendships, and adventures. Maps were a part of this exploration because, back then, before Google Maps, they were my way of capturing and sharing the beauty of places where something significant (or seemingly small) happened. These maps quickly caught people’s attention and evolved into commissions for custom-made pieces, just as my illustrations did.
That’s when I realized I could turn my passion into a career, blending creativity with meaningful connections.
4. What about France? How come you're living in Paris? Tell me the story.
I had a chance to visit France a couple of times before receiving my scholarship and actually moving here. I never thought of living here before that scholarship. I wasn’t a Francophile—I moved here because I spoke some French and thought it would be a good place to explore. I was in my mid-twenties, and this city offered me what I needed at the time.
As I grew older, I understood that France is what I expect a country to be. It has its faults, but it celebrates the values I hold dear. I am a pragmatic person—life is hard enough, and we will grow easier if we are in an environment that supports our growth. I am deeply grateful to France and the French people for the country they’ve created.
5. What inspires you to draw? Please give some examples of your work and how they came about.
Everything inspires me to draw!
I think inspiration is an exercise. You need to push yourself to search for it. Some days it’s harder, some days it’s easier, but you can always find something. The other day, it was very cold here—the first day I felt that I needed to wear a beanie. I was walking down the street, in my beanie, and I saw a woman carrying her coffee thermos that looked like a person with a beanie. Maybe it didn’t—but in my head, it did! So I drew that in my sketchbook. Food is an endless inspiration for me. In 2015, I dedicated an entire year to food illustration, creating 365 food drawings. I create maps from those and other illustrations.
Every day “adventures”—forest walks, museum visits, or conversations—appear in my head in the form of drawings and stories. That’s how I completed 100 Days of Paris, where I paired daily drawings with stories about the city for 100 days. Another food project, my Culinary Map of France, was inspired by my love of French food and regional traditions. Each map is a blend of research, personal connection, and imagination, and it’s always rewarding to see how people respond to them.
General human values—and celebrating those—are very important to me. In 2016, I co-authored a project that culminated in a book celebrating women who shaped society in Serbia—writers, politicians, doctors, and lawyers. This is a project I’m deeply proud of, especially in today’s political climate.
6. How to transition from personal drawing to working with corporate clients?
The transition often comes down to confidence and communication. Corporate clients are looking for creativity that aligns with their brand, so it’s about finding a way to connect your personal style to their vision. For example, when I worked with a luxury hotel group, I translated their values—elegance, and exclusivity—into a map that reflected those qualities. Building relationships and being open to collaboration have been key for me in moving between personal and professional projects.
I am a small business owner—I know how important it is to provide your clients with an excellent experience. That is what I try to create for my clients and their clients. We are all humans, and we all need attention, respect, and care.
7. Do you have a favorite subject matter?
I’m drawn to the idea of places—real, imagined, or somewhere in between.
Maps are my favorite subject because they’re not just about geography; they’re about stories, connections, and journeys. Whether it’s a city I know well or a fantastical world I’ve dreamed up, there’s always something exciting about putting it on paper.
8. Tell me a little about YOUR Paris. What would a Sunday look like?
A perfect Sunday might start with a visit to a boulangerie for fresh croissants, which I like to eat with fresh kefir—unusual, I know. I would then head for a walk along the river and into one of the parks, where I would grab a coffee. Lunch would be pizza—because there is no better food than pizza. In the afternoon, I would go to the Musée de l'Orangerie or the Grand Palais. I would spend some time in a museum café. Then, I would walk home to work off all the croissants and pizza.
9. Tell me about your other passions.
Books are a lifelong passion—I read at least four pages every day, without fail. I designed book covers (I have over 70 of them in three different languages!). I’m also fascinated by typography, design, and food—mostly how these mediums tell stories about ourselves. When I’m not working on maps, I enjoy exploring new ideas, whether that’s in the kitchen, a museum, or a workshop. I teach, I swim, I walk. I’m very bad at textile art, but I love creating something out of nothing. I also explore my new book ideas—I always have at least five.
10. What else have I forgotten to ask?
Maybe something about the process? For me, the act of creating a map is as much about research and storytelling as it is about drawing. It’s a blend of exploration, observation, and imagination. You could also ask about where I see my work heading—I’d say I’m always looking for ways to expand the stories my maps tell, whether that’s through new collaborations or exploring different mediums. I would also like to mention that What My Girlfriends Told Me—an ode to female friendship—came out in 2018 in London. I bet you didn’t know that about me.
If you're searching for a Paris-inspired 2025 calendar, a perfect gift from francophile friends or family, or even a gift for yourself… check out Sonja’s superb 2025 Calendar.
Image credits: All images copyright Sonja Bajic
Thank you Sonja for a fabulous interview.
Judy
How to enter: If you’d like to enter this Limited Edition Calendar Giveaway, then please below tell Sonja which is your favourite small shop in Paris. Is there a place that gives you joy? A random draw will be made on 12 December to determine the winner of this lovely calendar - Good luck!
2. New articles on MyFrenchLife Magazine
Keep up to date with the new articles → published in our Magazine this week.
→French Political System Exploration: The Élysée Palace
by Hugh Vuillier←
The First Republic didn’t care for a presidential palace. The revolutionaries, back in 1792, wanted no president, much less a king. When they cut off the head of the monarchy, they did not want anything that so much as smelled like it… …read more about The Élysée Palace — Read the entire article ←
→France: Let's Explore Chablis, Burgundy — An introduction
by Mike Werner←
Chablis is a town in the northern part of Burgundy, France. It is known for its world-renowned white wines, which are made from Chardonnay grapes grown
The town of Chablis is small, with a population of around 2,500 people. It is in a picturesque setting surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards, and the Serein River runs through town.
↓ CLICK IMAGE & read all the new articles on MyFrenchLife Magazine ↓
3. Merci mille fois
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- Judy MacMahon
I hope to see you here again next week
Judy MacMahon
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MyFrenchLife.org
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I love La Boulangerie in Montmartre -- it's not a Boulangerie (it's in an former bakery, maybe that's why they picked the name...makes it hard to find them though...)
It's an artisans' collective shop where all items (housewares, jewelry, fashion, bags etc etc ) are made in Paris and the shop is manned by a rotating cast of the artisans themselves as part of how they run their little Indy shop work. It's one of my preferred spots for spending too much money.
30 Rue des Trois Frères in the 18th
I love buying bread and pastries at the Boulangerie St. Antoine, on rue St. Antoine. The clerks are friendly, the baker is often right there pulling bread out of the oven. And he’s always willing to chat with this frequent visitor to Paris.
Thanks for sharing Sonja’s words and work!